ECP asks Imran to submit signed apology for violating code of conduct

ISLAMABAD (92 News) – The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Thursday demanded a signed apology from Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Chairman Imran Khan for violating the electoral code of conduct while casting his vote during the general election 2018.

A four-member bench headed by the chief election commissioner heard the cases pertaining to usage of foul language and violation of code of conduct against Imran Khan. The electoral body rejected apology signed by lawyer Babar Awan while Imran’s apology over foul language was accepted.

PTI chairman’s counsel Babar Awan appeared before and tendered apology over usage of foul language on behalf of his client which was accepted by Election Commission.

In the controversial vote casting case, Awan, who appeared before the ECP, submitted a written reply stating that his client did not intentionally stamp his ballot publicly.

According to the reply, photos of Imran’s ballot were taken without his permission. The curtain, used around the ballot for secrecy, had fallen due to the crowd inside the polling booth.

However, the ECP dismissed the reply submitted by Awan and summoned an affidavit from Imran apologising for the controversial vote casting complete with his signature.

The commission then adjourned the hearing till tomorrow. PTI chief’s victory notification for NA-53 will be issued after verdict of case is announced by electoral body.

Earlier, PTI counsel Babar Awan appeared before the ECP and said the case shouldn’t be dragged further as the PTI chief had already tendered apology for the violation, which was not intentional.

However, the chief election Commissioner Sardar Raza Khan said a detailed reply must be submitted to the ECP.

On July 26, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) issued a notice to Imran Khan for violating the secrecy of ballot. While earlier on July 19, the ECP had taken a suo moto notice after Imran Khan used the term ‘donkey’ for PML-N members who were going to receive Nawaz Sharif at the airport on the eve of his arrival.